Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim discussing bilateral issues in Putrajaya. - PHO
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/Asia News Network): Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim noted with pleasure the progress made to pursue closer economic collaboration between the country, Sabah and Sarawak.
In the joint-statement issued after the 24th Annual Leaders’ Consultation (ALC) held in Putrajaya, Malaysia, both leaders looked forward to the opening of the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office (STATO) in Bandar Seri Begawan at the end of this year, which would further strengthen tourism cooperation between the Sultanate and Sarawak.
The leaders welcomed Brunei Darussalam’s export initiatives with Sabah and Sarawak for processed food including meat-based products scheduled for this year, which will help to strengthen food security and supply.
The leaders further reaffirmed the need to pursue greater connectivity between Brunei and Sarawak, and welcomed the proposal to include the Sultanate in the Northern Coastal Highway. This would contribute to advancing socio-economic benefits for Brunei and Malaysia, said the joint-statement.
Meanwhile, the leaders commended the Joint Technical Committee on the Demarcation and Survey of the Land Boundary between Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam on the significant and positive progress so far, noting a total distance of 132.25km, equivalent to 25 per cent of the total of the land boundary, has been completed.
leaders looked forward to the completion of all works by 2034.
On defence ties, both leaders expressed their satisfaction with the close bilateral cooperation between the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF).
The leaders commended the admirable efforts of MAF and RBAF personnel in contributing towards the maintenance of international peace and stability, particularly under the ambit of the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Both leaders welcomed the participation of two female military personnel in the latest deployment by RBAF to increase female participation in support of the women, peace and security agenda.
Meanwhile, the leaders commended the signing of the Air Services Agreement (ASA) on May 24 in Langkawi during the 16th Edition of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition to further improve the existing ASA through the provision of more liberal air services between and beyond the territories of both countries.
The leaders also expressed satisfaction with the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Brunei Investment Agency (BIA) on Jan 25.
The two leaders welcomed the progress and implementation of the MoU.
The leaders expressed satisfaction on the progress made in the implementation of the Exchange of Letters signed between His Majesty and the Malaysian prime minister in 2009, which continues to provide further strategic impetus in deepening cooperation between the two countries.
Both leaders reiterated their joint commitment to strengthening relations between the two countries.
In this regard, the leaders looked forward to the 40th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations in 2024.
